Apex, North Carolina: ATI Industrial Automation, a world-leading engineering-based developer of robotic peripheral equipment, including Automatic Tool Changers, Multi-axis Force/Torque Sensing Systems, Robotic Deburring Tools, Robotic Collision Sensors and Compliance Devices, recently received Managing Automation Media’s Progressive Manufacturing 100 Award for their implementation of a new, well-integrated, serial number tracking system. The system tracks every component and product from the time they are built to the time they are shipped. The history of every product and its components are now just a scan away. The system aids employees by reducing data entry errors, increasing inventory accuracy and ultimately providing improved customer service.

Some other process improvements at ATI include an award winning implementation of a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system and the reorganization of production workflow processes for faster manufacturing and delivery. Expansions at ATI’s headquarters in Apex, N.C., new offices in Detroit, Michigan and Beijing, China and manufacturing process improvements have resulted in shorter lead times and improved quality and on-time delivery.

This is the fifth year for the global Progressive Manufacturing Awards Program that recognizes best-in-class manufacturers from the U.S. and abroad. ATI was recognized among 100 outstanding manufacturers that were selected based on the scope of mastery, business integration, and use of technology demonstrated.

David Brousell, Editor-In-Chief of Managing Automation Media said, “The projects that enable these companies to become PM100 winners reflect great creativity and inventiveness, a determined willingness to take risk, and an enduring resilience to continually improve every aspect of their business. These companies are leading the way to a better future for all industry.”

ATI will be presented the award at the Progressive Manufacturing Awards Gala to be held on the last day of the Progressive Manufacturing Summit 2009, June 9-11 in Sarasota, Florida. More than 200 manufacturing technology executives are expected to attend.